Boaters reminded of dangers on closed sections of canal

ALBANY — Sections of the New York State Canal System remained closed Tuesday to all boaters due to high water, excessive current, heavy debris and displaced navigational aids caused by heavy rainfall.

The sections were the Erie Canal, from Waterford (Lock 2) to Whitesboro (Lock 20), the Oswego Canal, except local traffic at Lock 8, and the Champlain Canal from Fort Edward to Waterford.

Boaters who have docked at secure facilities should remain safely moored until these sections reopen and not use car-top put-ins or launch ramps in sections of the canal system that are currently closed, according to the state Canal Corporation.

The affected sections of the canal will be reopened by the Canal Corporation when operational safety standards are met and the safety of canal patrons can be ensured, according to a news release.

Re-opening schedules will be posted in Notices to Mariners available at www.canals.ny.gov, on Facebook and on Twitter.